Illustration Christine Fuller The Norfolk Chronicle published on Saturday 9th April 1853, included a report of some of the recent cases heard at the Norfolk Quarter Sessions at The Shirehall in Norwich. Amongst the defendants is 18 year old William Wells. Wells had been lodging with Robert Rose in Great Ellingham along with fellow lodger…
Category: Yeomans
The History of Swamp Lane Cottages – Part II
At the turn of the 19th century, there were very few dwellings along the lane which we know today as Swamp Lane. Those that did exist were at the northern end of the lane. Part I In Part I, we discovered that at the time of the Great Ellingham Inclosures, the Commissioners awarded Alice Jessup…
The History of Glenfield House & Cottage – Part II
Photograph taken December 2023 Great Ellingham is fortunate to have a wealth of historical houses. Many of these may have narrowly escaped the fate of demolition, as happened to so many of the village’s old cottages. Glenfield House and Glenfield Cottage comprise the characterful thatched house standing along the Attleborough Road, near to the junction…
The History of Glenfield House & Cottage – Part III
Photograph taken December 2023 In Parts I and II of the ‘History of Glenfield House & Cottage”, we looked at the owners and occupiers of this delightful thatched and tiled house from around 1762 until 1865. Here in Part III, we continue the story. ‘Glenfield’ It is only in relatively recent times that the thatched…
The History of The Crown Public House – Part III
The Crown Public House possible 1960s. Courtesy Tony Brooks The Crown in Church Street is one of at least five pubs and beer houses which were once in Great Ellingham. However, it is now the only surviving public house in the village. The origins of the pub go back over 200 years. The first mention…
‘Black Sheep’ in the Family
I am sure that many of us will find a few ‘black sheep’ amongst our ancestors. These ‘black sheep’ are usually individuals who are seen as troublemakers, failures or just people who do not fit in with the rest of the family. They may also bring disgrace or disrepute upon the family and, in consequence,…
Increase & Decline in the Population of Great Ellingham in the 19th Century
Increase At the beginning of the 19th century, and over a period of 30 years, the population of Great Ellingham gradually increased from 655 in 1801 to 882 in 1831. Decrease However, save for a small increase in the populace in 1871, there began a steady decline in the population over the next 70 years….
William Yeomans sentenced to Confinement in Asylum for Arson
Crown Court At the beginning of August, 1879, 34-year-old labourer William Yeomans appeared at the Crown Court in Norwich. Yeomans pleaded guilty to the charge of ‘unlawfully and maliciously’ setting fire to a stack of wheat at Great Ellingham on the 7th June. The stack was the property of farmer, William Barnard. Defence of Insanity…
Timberhill also known as King’s Corner
Postcards: (left) courtesy of Joan Barnard; (middle) courtesy of Carol Ewin; (right) author’s own collection Despite some changes to the appearance, most of the buildings in the above postcards are recognisable today. Over the years, this area around the junction of the Atteborough Road with Church Street has been known as ‘Timberhill’ and ‘King’s Corner’….
Auction of the Crown with ‘Good Potential’
Crown Inn with adjoining shops. Postcard courtesy of Carol Ewin 1845 Auction Lydia Barnard had been the licensee of the Crown Inn at Great Ellingham for many years prior to the proposed sale of the premises at Auction. The Norwich Mercury of Saturday, September 13th, 1845 included a notice “To Brewers” of the forthcoming Auction…